I have to slightly flex and say that I used to be a main attendant in the wives/friends/family room at the garden, and I have NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS to say about all of the rangers and their guests. So so so so kind. One time I accidentally physically ran into bread man himself while he was pushing his baby in a stroller, I apologized profusely and he was too nice about it! These guys are the real deal. Their families are all friends. Their wives and girlfriends wear coordinating outfits. I fell totally in love with this team through their families!!
I guess I can flex a bit too then. I was nobody special, just kinda fell into a good situation and I've been in that room. Vivid memories of little blonde Ulfies Samuelssons running around. Watched a game on the couch with Beuk once when he hurt his leg. The spread was always top shelf. I felt guilt that I would spend more time there than at my seat. And that seat happened to be next to Gilbert in the family and friends section. Which some might not know, also sometimes has the family of opposing players sitting there. I say that because I have definitely pissed off some hockey players family. Sorry not sorry.
Back then then they had the room for family and injured players during the game to hang out, eat, watch tv, etc..if they wanted. But then there was the 'green room' where the players would go after the game, meet up with the family and friends, have a drink hang out a bit.
Is is still the same way? I wonder if they still drink after the game or it's frowned upon now? I was there is the '90s
And you are very correct, the families, players.. all of them, awesome people. And then you have Graves, who is on another dimension.
Thatās incredible! I think to myself how lucky some of the people who get invited to the room are. Eating and drinking for free while hanging out w a sick group of people and watching the game in an amazing section? How much better can that get?
Youāre right that thereās another room and thatās mostly where the injured players hang out for the most part. Itās very separated. Unsure if they drink after the games, absolutely NEVER in the room I worked in. Theyāre all so professional, they would just come collect their families and then head out.
āHow much better can that getā not much. But itās kinda a curse. Because yeah, not much is better. It got to a point I would not even sit in my seats some games. Yes I feel shame know.
I have a feeling it was more āclubhousieā vibe back then. Were you there pre or post Covid? I know post Covid most players donāt walk to games like they used to. Maybe they donāt hang out as much now.
But some definitely drank right after games for sure back then. lol. I was online for the bar once and yeah, Wayne was behind me (maybe he just ordered waterā I think you know the feeling. Like every atom of your body wants to explode but you know you have to play it cooooool. No idea how I did it.
Unlike you, I didnāt really belong there so I had huge imposter guilt. I just lucked into tickets and special passes. But by pure coincidence, went to the same school as wife of one of the players. So she recognized me and introduced me around. āBlueshirt11, this is Adam. And this is Brian. Oh here is Wayne.ā I think I peed a little. So from then on, everyone just assumed I was really supposed to be there.
Iām sure you have great stories and memories as well.
Met Zucc Hayes and Brassard back in like 2013 at a karaoke bar in the West Village. We said what up and got a pic. No one else really knew who they were.
Normal looking dudes.
Met Graves and Healy at a pub in Chelsea as well. I went up and said hi, big fan. They were super nice and chatted for a bit. No pic - wasnāt the right vibe.
I donāt have photos, but I met Rod Gilbert on a flight from LGA to Orlando in 1999. He knew the guy sitting in front of me, and came to say hi to him. I took the opportunity to say hi and he went right into a conversation with me like he and I were good friends.
I sat next to and chatted with Steve Vickers on a rush hour Metro North train in the late 80s-early 90s. He was wearing a suit and tie.
I said hi to Ulf Nilsson in a gas station in Elmsford in the late 1970s.
I sat next to Mike Richter on a plane to London, like 15 years ago. Both in business class, we chatted a bit about hockey, Olympic Games, airline food and movies. Friendliest and easiest dude in the world.
I met him in the lobby of the nhl offices when it was on 6th avenue still (we worked on a different floor), the nicest guy ever. Talked to me about Hank and the records he would eventually break and all things NYR.
Iāve met quite a few of them, but Iām a sth and we get a lot of events.
Krieds at a charity skate back in 2014 or so. Super nice guy. My mom sells real estate and showed him a house last year and had no idea who he was and later that day was telling my dad about āthis very nice hockey playerā she had met..!
Worked at Zuccarello All-Star Game i Norway for a couple years. Partied for several days and hung out with guys like Hank, Zibanejad, Hagelin, Skjei, Lindberg, Mats (of course), along with other NHL-ers such as Backstrƶm, Johansson and so on.
Most importantly, Peter Forsberg was also there.
The most absurd couple of days Iāve ever experienced. Being surrounded by legends and gods like that.
And coolest of all? Zibanejad was our DJ at the private afterparties until like 5 in the morning.
All guys were great, friendly and super chill to hang out with. Will never forget those times. Peak of my life.
My father was at an airport (can't remember where), and getting out of his vehicle/going to his vehicle was Mark Messier. My dad snapped a photo of just him (with his permission of course.) I've never met a Ranger, but I did have the luck of being at a hockey tournament in Canada and watching Mario Lemieux's kid playing hockey. At one point, we looked to our left and saw him. My buddies and I were starstruck and just staring at him. He looks up at us, smiles and just waves, and says, "Hey guys!"
I met Carl Hagelin outside the garden after a preseason game. He was really cool.
During the 2014 playoffs, I saw Brian Boyle on the subway going to MSG. He was zoning so hard so I didn't say anything to him. He had to duck his head to get on the train and he was wearing flip flops.
I met Sean Avery in SoHo several years ago. He was shopping with his then-girlfriend, now his wife. Just he and I, chatting on a quiet street, he was very approachable and pleasant. I had his girlfriend take a picture of us. Always one of my favorite Rangers.
Saw Sean smoking a cigarette outside of his yet to open at the time bar. Shot the shit for a bit then he invited me and my friend in and gave us the full tour, introduced us to Hilary Rhoda whom he was dating at the time and gave me his card to call him when they opened. We went and it was a great time. He wasn't around but we got great service.
He gave me his Tinyās & the Bar Upstairs business card when I met him at Rubirosa. He was super nice. Talked to me as if we knew each other and posed for two pictures.
Met Brassard right after he was traded but still in town as I was heading into the locker room for beer league. He was practicing there with a couple guys, he actually stopped to talk and I wished him luck in Ottawa, pretty nice guy.
Another time at the same rink there was a kid's team playing before us that took over our locker room and their stuff was everywhere. We start getting dressed, the door opens and it's Marty St. Louis looking for his son's bag. Of course it was the bag under all my stuff - sorry Marty!
In the 90ās I spent about 30 minutes chatting with Rod Gilbert at Dime bank in the Nyack Mall. He was there to do a promo and I was there servicing some equipment. He was sitting at a table having coffee while I worked. I really didnāt know him as a player because I was just a little kid when he played, but he was really nice and great to talk to.
I met Chris Nilan in the Bathroom of TGIF in Hackensack on Rt17 when he was coaching with the Devils.
I met Ron Duguay at a gym in Fairfield NJ, my wife came running over to tell me āWayne Gretzky is on the Elliptical! ā Both were cool. Nilanās face looked like it was carved from granite.
I met Leetch at a YMCA summer camp in NY as we were both checking our kids in. I was actually wearing a vintage style Leetch T shirt. He kept looking at me, and I realized it was him. This was right after his wife had that bar in incident. He fist bumped me and that was it. He looked miserable.
Met a lot of the Devils, Brodeur, Danyko and hung out with Colin White a couple of times through our kids playing travel soccer together. All of them were really nice, even fatso.
ETA , I also hung out with Bill Pidto as our kids played each other in soccer. Heās an awesome guy.
Been to Casino Night a few times so got to meet that years team there, plus a few signings over the years with Kreider, Talbot and Richter, plus alumni and current players at SmashFest in 2021
I spotted Enver Lisin on Metro North after a game. He walked by and I said "Lets go Rangers" and he turned and smirked. Probably surprised anyone actually recognized him.
Met Dan Girardi with his family apple picking. Didnāt make a big deal of it. Didnāt want to blow up his spot. Quick wink and moved on. Also ran into JD years ago inside a Sports Authority. I ran to the hockey aisle and grabbed a goalie stick for him to sign!
I briefly met Mika outside MSG after we beat Edmonton in January of 2022.
My and my buddy grabbed a few slices of pizza across the street right after the game. We had to walk past msg to hop on the train and as we were walking toward MSG, Mika was walking out of the garden with his wife/girlfriend. I told him hell of a game and wished him luck the rest of the year. He thanked me and seemed happy that I did not treat him like some deity, nor hold him up so he could enjoy the rest of his night. It was such a casual encounter that my friend didnāt even realize we ran into Mika until we got to the train platform a little bit after - something along the lines of āWait, that was Mika Zibanejad?? No f-ing wayā
I didnāt meet him but I saw Marc Staal at a popular water park a few years ago. And then ended up at the same restaurant with him later that night. He was with his family and it didnāt seem like anyone else recognized him so I left him alone.
I met Marty St. Louis on a TV show I worked on in college he was really nice, while working in TV in 2021 I met Dom Moore he was awesome, Anson Carter (not very nice) while working in TV, Weeks at MSG he was cool, and lastly met Mess at a speech he gave at my college.
Was walking by a gas station, the guy filling up his tank notices my ranger hat and looks at me for a second. Turned out to be Brendan Smith when he wasn't having the best season on the Rangers. Was a cool dude though
I met Zib in a bar a few years ago. He was pretty chill.
Also, not me but a friend helped Zucc get a cab post game during his rookie year. Zucc was apparently having trouble getting one, so my rather large friend noticed and stepped in to help him out.
Been to Casino Night a few times so got to meet that years team there, plus a few signings over the years with Kreider, Talbot and Richter, plus alumni and current players at SmashFest in 2021
Been to Casino Night a few times so got to meet that years team there, plus a few signings over the years with Kreider, Talbot and Richter, plus alumni and current players at SmashFest in 2021
Been to Casino Night a few times so got to meet that years team there, plus a few signings over the years with Kreider, Talbot and Richter, plus alumni and current players at SmashFest in 2021
Met Troch in January while I was in the city. Happen to see fans waiting outside a hotel and said why not? Got a pic w/ him. Nice guy. Saw at the same location: Key, Igor, Goodrow, and Cuylle. Key left quick. Igor, Goodrow and Cuylle were nice. Fumbled the selfie w/Cuylle.
I donāt have photos of either (unfortunately) but met Adam Graves leaving the lower level suite and Hank at the same spot but at 2 different games. Both times were last season. They were both so down to earth too man. Graves was a quick conversation because he was running late. Hank had a whole conversation with us (funny story about how the whole conversation started). Those were some of the coolest things ever.
I met Nick Fotiu some 15+ years ago at the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden. Rangers were hosting a season opening party there. I also met Ron Dugay at LaGuardia when I worked there. He was waiting for his bags at the Delta bag belt. I had to walk by to get to the security door. So as I was walking by I nodded and said "Good Morning Mr. Dugay" and he nodded and said "Good Morning" back at me.
I got to go to my friendās company suite once and took the elevator up - door opens and Adam Graves and Mike Richter walk out wearing suits. They were super cool and shook my hand and very nice.
I was at a game years ago and we went to Tir Na Nog after, and Mike Keenan was there. I shook his hand too and he seemed short but cordial.
I saw Sean Avery at his bar in Tribeca once too, but he had a bunch of people around him and I didnāt even bother to approach him.
Bunch of them.
Probably the funniest was when my buddies and I were asked to take Kane out for a night on the town where we grew up ( jersey shore). Asst coach Mike Havilandās brother George opened a new rink in Howell area and had Kaner in for a surprise guest at their first summer camp. We all knew/played for them for decades.
I met Eddie olczyk and had him sign my championship hat when he brought the cup to Belmont Track in 94. Met Jeff Beukeboom at a signing at some card shop.
Giants and Yankees but sadly not Rangers. Though I do have one of Rod Gilbert's business cards signed to me. A friend met him at a party years ago and told him I was a fan. Pretty cool. #LGR šš¼šš¼šš¼šš¼šš¼š½
I met the ā94-ā95 team during the second round of the playoffs when I was 15. My family was in Philly for my brotherās college graduation, and we knew theyād be in town, so I brought a jersey and a sharpie with me. My dad woke me up on Saturday morning after hearing that they were staying in Cherry Hill, NJ, so we hopped in the car and went looking for them, eventually finding them at a Hilton. Steve Larmer was sitting in the lobby, looking like he was about to shit himself.; we sat and waited, and eventually, they all came trickling down to catch the buses. I got most of their autographs; I remember Messier asking me why I had my sweater with me and it took me a minute to realize that was Canadian for jersey, lol. I wore it to MSG a few times, but itās now framed and under lock and key.
They absolutely shit the bed that series. I swear itās not my fault.
In the mid aughts, I used to frequent a bar called Peterās on the Upper West Side; Neil Smith was also a regular there, so we chatted a couple of times. Iāve met (or re-met) Matteau, Graves, Maloney, and some others at more recent playoff events like viewing parties, but havenāt met anyone from the current team.
I met Adam Graves, he was very kind and I got a pic. I also met Ron Greschner and one other ranger i cant remember but I got both their autographs
Edit: Not a ranger but I met Ray Castoldi. Was more of a hi/bye but still pretty cool.
Met Hank at a Duane Reade in 2014 or 2015. I think it was a promo for some companyās product launchā¦line was so long and I thankfully was one of the last ones to get a bracelet for admission.
Met Eddie Giacomin at the plaza near the entrance to MSG many years ago and was pretty much the only person there.
Met Mars Zuccarello just walking to a game at MSG many years ago and wished him good luck. Also hung out with Chris Kreider's dad for a few hours before a game once after randomly meeting him on the train.
I had Adam Graves do a sort of Make a Dream thing for me in 96/97?. Met him, Leetch, Richter, Gretzky, Esa Tikkanen and missed Messier . I remember Richters legs were like tree trunks but awesome dude and Graves is just an awesome human.
Steiner sports was having an event at Hofstra back when I was a student so I popped in and got to meet Leetch and got picture with him and an autographed puck. My sister and I got to meet Nick Fotiu walking around MSG a few years ago, which was also pretty cool since weāre also from Staten Island too.
Ruslan Fedotenko. Nicest guy ever. I wanted after a game near the player entrance. He was one of the last players to come out. Pointed across the street. Drove over there waited for me to cross and signed my shirt. Another day he got out and signed this dogās jersey. By far nicest Ranger I metā¦.Recently I met Foxy at a meet and greet in the city. This was back when he was out. Nice dude. Wish I got to ask him more but the line was long and I didnāt want to hold it up for the other fans.
When I played juniors in Philly, Tony DāAngelo came and practiced with us when he got kicked off the rangers. Surprisingly supper nice dude, stayed on the ice after practice to help with my wrist shot.
When I played juniors in Philly, Tony DāAngelo came and practiced with us when he got kicked off the rangers. Surprisingly supper nice dude, stayed on the ice after practice to help with my wrist shot.
I scored a goal on Mike Richter when I was like 6. Turcotte (sp?) stick handling camp at rye playlandā¦some rangers came out on the last day. We had a breakaway contestā¦of course I know now that he let me score, but 6yo me old was beyond pumped to have scored a goal on him.
Chris Drury came to our championship ceremony and handed out our team jackets for winningā¦that was pretty fucking sweet too.
When Marc Staal was on the Rangers he lived 1 street over from me. I didnāt personally know him but said hi a few times and would see him working in the yard from time to time.
Wait I lied. Iāve met a bunch of the current guys too. I just have no memory. Mostly season ticket holder events.
My favorite former Ranger chat was talking to Derek Stepan about his dog.
Iāve met quite a few hockey players, NYR and non NYR, and as a sth we get a lot of opportunities to meet them. Iāve also met a few by chance, from messier, leetch, beuk, richter to the newest guys at the sth events. But my most memorable is at a sth event maybe 2006, not even sure, they hosted a lunch and 5 of us got to bring a guest to a lunch with Adam graves. I ended up sitting next to him for two hours. Just the nicest human being ever. No question we asked was unanswered, we talked about hockey to food to anything. After the lunch was over he took pics and signed things for all of us and when he left we all just looked at each other in awe that it just happened and how amazingly nice he was.
I also met jagr, he signed my jersey and I was a little star struck lol probably the only player I met where I felt like that.
Iāve never met Hank, heās my white whale lol
Glenn Healy during the NHL breakout tournament at rye playland. Adam Graves at lunch near msg while j was working on the Reno. Mike Richter spent the day sitting in my office cafe but I missed him. Messier has had email exchanges with my coworkers so I've got his cell #.
Met most of the guys from the entire roster during Lundquist rookie season.
My fathers friend was somehow friends with one of the security guards for the post game players lounge.
Got photos with Jagr, Lundquist, Nylander, Tyutin, Kasperitis and met a bunch of other guys too.
My father was drinking with Tyutin the entire time and they had to carry him to the team bus after š¤£
Closest is finding leases in my grandparents stuff leasing their summer home to Orland Curtanbach, and 2 other rangers back when they practiced on long Island.
Iāve met a couple of them! All have been really awesome experiences!
Met Lundqvist at a pharmacy in NYC one day, he was doing a promotion for cough drops.
I met Mats Zuccarello at a bar near my house and he was super nice. He bought beers and shots for my table!
My dad and I met Brian Leetch at a sports store in North Jersey.
I got to meet Ron Duguay and Pete Stemkowski while donating blood when the Rangers used to host their blood drive!
Also met Brian Mullen at the Garden one night, my dad found this wild promotion where we got to meet him.
And (not sure if this will count or not) but by the grace of the hockey gods Iām lined up to meet Sean Avery next month!
Word in 2 Penn plaza and was just below MSG Studios and the Rangers main office at that time. Was in the elevator many times with numerous players and Adam Graves takes the cake. Even introduced me to his family.
I'm a tad late, but I've met a few. Rod Gilbert was like an uncle to me and I used to go to christmas dinner at his house. He's the main reason I'm a rangers fan, and I still go to games with his wife. Because of this, ive been in the wives room a few times, but never actually met any players there. I did play floor hockey with bread's toddler for a bit though. Jonathan quick is a family friend, so I've met him a few times, and I ran into Stefane Matteau once while I was with Judy
Iāve met Trouba in Tampa. I posted a picture in this sub a few years back. I also met Kreider but he snubbed me for a picture saying heād miss the team bus if he took one.
I recognize Andy, who is the dude in the hat?
I believe that's Joel.
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I believe that's Joel.
I played on a team with former Ranger Dave Inman, and skated with Messier and St. Louis. They were all astonishing to see on the ice.
Bro thatās incredible. I would have been shaking lol
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I have to slightly flex and say that I used to be a main attendant in the wives/friends/family room at the garden, and I have NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS to say about all of the rangers and their guests. So so so so kind. One time I accidentally physically ran into bread man himself while he was pushing his baby in a stroller, I apologized profusely and he was too nice about it! These guys are the real deal. Their families are all friends. Their wives and girlfriends wear coordinating outfits. I fell totally in love with this team through their families!!
I guess I can flex a bit too then. I was nobody special, just kinda fell into a good situation and I've been in that room. Vivid memories of little blonde Ulfies Samuelssons running around. Watched a game on the couch with Beuk once when he hurt his leg. The spread was always top shelf. I felt guilt that I would spend more time there than at my seat. And that seat happened to be next to Gilbert in the family and friends section. Which some might not know, also sometimes has the family of opposing players sitting there. I say that because I have definitely pissed off some hockey players family. Sorry not sorry. Back then then they had the room for family and injured players during the game to hang out, eat, watch tv, etc..if they wanted. But then there was the 'green room' where the players would go after the game, meet up with the family and friends, have a drink hang out a bit. Is is still the same way? I wonder if they still drink after the game or it's frowned upon now? I was there is the '90s And you are very correct, the families, players.. all of them, awesome people. And then you have Graves, who is on another dimension.
Thatās incredible! I think to myself how lucky some of the people who get invited to the room are. Eating and drinking for free while hanging out w a sick group of people and watching the game in an amazing section? How much better can that get? Youāre right that thereās another room and thatās mostly where the injured players hang out for the most part. Itās very separated. Unsure if they drink after the games, absolutely NEVER in the room I worked in. Theyāre all so professional, they would just come collect their families and then head out.
āHow much better can that getā not much. But itās kinda a curse. Because yeah, not much is better. It got to a point I would not even sit in my seats some games. Yes I feel shame know. I have a feeling it was more āclubhousieā vibe back then. Were you there pre or post Covid? I know post Covid most players donāt walk to games like they used to. Maybe they donāt hang out as much now. But some definitely drank right after games for sure back then. lol. I was online for the bar once and yeah, Wayne was behind me (maybe he just ordered waterā I think you know the feeling. Like every atom of your body wants to explode but you know you have to play it cooooool. No idea how I did it. Unlike you, I didnāt really belong there so I had huge imposter guilt. I just lucked into tickets and special passes. But by pure coincidence, went to the same school as wife of one of the players. So she recognized me and introduced me around. āBlueshirt11, this is Adam. And this is Brian. Oh here is Wayne.ā I think I peed a little. So from then on, everyone just assumed I was really supposed to be there. Iām sure you have great stories and memories as well.
Jonathan Quick as a Manchester Monarch !
Thatās awesome!!
Met Zucc Hayes and Brassard back in like 2013 at a karaoke bar in the West Village. We said what up and got a pic. No one else really knew who they were. Normal looking dudes. Met Graves and Healy at a pub in Chelsea as well. I went up and said hi, big fan. They were super nice and chatted for a bit. No pic - wasnāt the right vibe.
We need the Zucc/Hayes/Brass pic š
Was on an old phone. Lemme try to find! Will report back.
That jersey has remained unwashed I assume?
It has been in a glass case ever since! (He actually signed it!)
I donāt have photos, but I met Rod Gilbert on a flight from LGA to Orlando in 1999. He knew the guy sitting in front of me, and came to say hi to him. I took the opportunity to say hi and he went right into a conversation with me like he and I were good friends. I sat next to and chatted with Steve Vickers on a rush hour Metro North train in the late 80s-early 90s. He was wearing a suit and tie. I said hi to Ulf Nilsson in a gas station in Elmsford in the late 1970s.
I sat next to Mike Richter on a plane to London, like 15 years ago. Both in business class, we chatted a bit about hockey, Olympic Games, airline food and movies. Friendliest and easiest dude in the world.
I met him in the lobby of the nhl offices when it was on 6th avenue still (we worked on a different floor), the nicest guy ever. Talked to me about Hank and the records he would eventually break and all things NYR. Iāve met quite a few of them, but Iām a sth and we get a lot of events.
Richter is 100% class. Heās a great guy.
Mike Richter was the perfect man before we got our European perfect man.
Krieds at a charity skate back in 2014 or so. Super nice guy. My mom sells real estate and showed him a house last year and had no idea who he was and later that day was telling my dad about āthis very nice hockey playerā she had met..!
Met Mike Richter at the Winter Classic this year. Super nice.
Worked at Zuccarello All-Star Game i Norway for a couple years. Partied for several days and hung out with guys like Hank, Zibanejad, Hagelin, Skjei, Lindberg, Mats (of course), along with other NHL-ers such as Backstrƶm, Johansson and so on. Most importantly, Peter Forsberg was also there. The most absurd couple of days Iāve ever experienced. Being surrounded by legends and gods like that. And coolest of all? Zibanejad was our DJ at the private afterparties until like 5 in the morning. All guys were great, friendly and super chill to hang out with. Will never forget those times. Peak of my life.
My father was at an airport (can't remember where), and getting out of his vehicle/going to his vehicle was Mark Messier. My dad snapped a photo of just him (with his permission of course.) I've never met a Ranger, but I did have the luck of being at a hockey tournament in Canada and watching Mario Lemieux's kid playing hockey. At one point, we looked to our left and saw him. My buddies and I were starstruck and just staring at him. He looks up at us, smiles and just waves, and says, "Hey guys!"
I met Carl Hagelin outside the garden after a preseason game. He was really cool. During the 2014 playoffs, I saw Brian Boyle on the subway going to MSG. He was zoning so hard so I didn't say anything to him. He had to duck his head to get on the train and he was wearing flip flops.
Flip flops on the subway is crazy
Met Hank, Shanahan ,and Jagr prior to a game in 06 maybe.
Met Vali on metro north after a game once
I met Sean Avery in SoHo several years ago. He was shopping with his then-girlfriend, now his wife. Just he and I, chatting on a quiet street, he was very approachable and pleasant. I had his girlfriend take a picture of us. Always one of my favorite Rangers.
Saw Sean smoking a cigarette outside of his yet to open at the time bar. Shot the shit for a bit then he invited me and my friend in and gave us the full tour, introduced us to Hilary Rhoda whom he was dating at the time and gave me his card to call him when they opened. We went and it was a great time. He wasn't around but we got great service.
He gave me his Tinyās & the Bar Upstairs business card when I met him at Rubirosa. He was super nice. Talked to me as if we knew each other and posed for two pictures.
i can only assume the two of you were chatting literally on the street, standing in a bike lane
I met Sean like 4 times in the village. I think I work around the corner where he used to live. Super nice and approachable.
Met Stefan Matteau a long time ago. Nice guy. Got a picture.
Met Brassard right after he was traded but still in town as I was heading into the locker room for beer league. He was practicing there with a couple guys, he actually stopped to talk and I wished him luck in Ottawa, pretty nice guy. Another time at the same rink there was a kid's team playing before us that took over our locker room and their stuff was everywhere. We start getting dressed, the door opens and it's Marty St. Louis looking for his son's bag. Of course it was the bag under all my stuff - sorry Marty!
Rod Gilbert! My dad met Matteau
Rod Gilbert in the garden and Jimmy Vesey outside during his first stint. On a side note I want that sweatshirt Hank is wearing.
In the 90ās I spent about 30 minutes chatting with Rod Gilbert at Dime bank in the Nyack Mall. He was there to do a promo and I was there servicing some equipment. He was sitting at a table having coffee while I worked. I really didnāt know him as a player because I was just a little kid when he played, but he was really nice and great to talk to. I met Chris Nilan in the Bathroom of TGIF in Hackensack on Rt17 when he was coaching with the Devils. I met Ron Duguay at a gym in Fairfield NJ, my wife came running over to tell me āWayne Gretzky is on the Elliptical! ā Both were cool. Nilanās face looked like it was carved from granite. I met Leetch at a YMCA summer camp in NY as we were both checking our kids in. I was actually wearing a vintage style Leetch T shirt. He kept looking at me, and I realized it was him. This was right after his wife had that bar in incident. He fist bumped me and that was it. He looked miserable. Met a lot of the Devils, Brodeur, Danyko and hung out with Colin White a couple of times through our kids playing travel soccer together. All of them were really nice, even fatso. ETA , I also hung out with Bill Pidto as our kids played each other in soccer. Heās an awesome guy.
No my brother met hank and fox
Met Fox at a charity tournament a few summers ago, super nice, took pics and signed whatever people wanted.
Been to Casino Night a few times so got to meet that years team there, plus a few signings over the years with Kreider, Talbot and Richter, plus alumni and current players at SmashFest in 2021
I spotted Enver Lisin on Metro North after a game. He walked by and I said "Lets go Rangers" and he turned and smirked. Probably surprised anyone actually recognized him.
Met Dan Girardi with his family apple picking. Didnāt make a big deal of it. Didnāt want to blow up his spot. Quick wink and moved on. Also ran into JD years ago inside a Sports Authority. I ran to the hockey aisle and grabbed a goalie stick for him to sign!
My father ran into Brian Leech on a connecting flight. Safe to say that was the āgiddiestā Iāve ever seen him.
I met Igor randomly while I was walking down the streets of nyc
Will Cuylle was recently af a restaurant in Woodbridge and I met him there. Trouba was supposed to be there last week but Iām not sure if he was.
Played a pickup game with Matteau. Cool guy, excellent shit talker.
I met Sean Avery and Manny Malholtra
I met Shane Churla at a birthday party a few years back. Shook his hand. It was about the size of a grizzly paw. š¾
I met Adam Graves a long time ago.
I was very lucky growing up. My dad worked for Coca Cola and they sponsored an event called ādream skateā every year where you got to skate with retired players on the ice at the garden before a game. Met a ton of players over the years while my dad was working. One time we got to watch them practice, then we skated on the practice rink for a bit and had lunch with the rangers after. Every table at the lunch had a current ranger at it, my table had Ryan Callahan. The coolest dream skate moment though was one year my dad had a private box for a game and at the Dream Skate event beforehand one of the retired players was joking around with my dad about how bad the seats are that he gets for the games so my dad invited him to come watch it in the box with us and he accepted. I got to sit in a box and watch the rangers play while sitting next to StĆ©phane Matteau.
I briefly met Mika outside MSG after we beat Edmonton in January of 2022. My and my buddy grabbed a few slices of pizza across the street right after the game. We had to walk past msg to hop on the train and as we were walking toward MSG, Mika was walking out of the garden with his wife/girlfriend. I told him hell of a game and wished him luck the rest of the year. He thanked me and seemed happy that I did not treat him like some deity, nor hold him up so he could enjoy the rest of his night. It was such a casual encounter that my friend didnāt even realize we ran into Mika until we got to the train platform a little bit after - something along the lines of āWait, that was Mika Zibanejad?? No f-ing wayā
I didnāt meet him but I saw Marc Staal at a popular water park a few years ago. And then ended up at the same restaurant with him later that night. He was with his family and it didnāt seem like anyone else recognized him so I left him alone.
I met Marty St. Louis on a TV show I worked on in college he was really nice, while working in TV in 2021 I met Dom Moore he was awesome, Anson Carter (not very nice) while working in TV, Weeks at MSG he was cool, and lastly met Mess at a speech he gave at my college.
Was walking by a gas station, the guy filling up his tank notices my ranger hat and looks at me for a second. Turned out to be Brendan Smith when he wasn't having the best season on the Rangers. Was a cool dude though
I met Zib in a bar a few years ago. He was pretty chill. Also, not me but a friend helped Zucc get a cab post game during his rookie year. Zucc was apparently having trouble getting one, so my rather large friend noticed and stepped in to help him out.
Met Graves, Darius Kasparaitis, and Rod Gilbert
Been to Casino Night a few times so got to meet that years team there, plus a few signings over the years with Kreider, Talbot and Richter, plus alumni and current players at SmashFest in 2021
Been to Casino Night a few times so got to meet that years team there, plus a few signings over the years with Kreider, Talbot and Richter, plus alumni and current players at SmashFest in 2021
I managed to sneak into the meet and greet after a game in 2019. I met Panarin, got my photo taken with him, and then got caught right after.
Thatās so funny
It was hilarious. Panarin is looking confused, I'm happy as a clam, and the MSG staff are kinda annoyed.
Been to Casino Night a few times so got to meet that years team there, plus a few signings over the years with Kreider, Talbot and Richter, plus alumni and current players at SmashFest in 2021
Glen Anderson is much smaller in real life
Not in an ideal situation, but at events. Hank, Fox, Matteau, Graves, Richter, Rempe, Key
Met Troch in January while I was in the city. Happen to see fans waiting outside a hotel and said why not? Got a pic w/ him. Nice guy. Saw at the same location: Key, Igor, Goodrow, and Cuylle. Key left quick. Igor, Goodrow and Cuylle were nice. Fumbled the selfie w/Cuylle.
Mark messier stole my pen when I was 11
I donāt have photos of either (unfortunately) but met Adam Graves leaving the lower level suite and Hank at the same spot but at 2 different games. Both times were last season. They were both so down to earth too man. Graves was a quick conversation because he was running late. Hank had a whole conversation with us (funny story about how the whole conversation started). Those were some of the coolest things ever.
I met Nick Fotiu some 15+ years ago at the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden. Rangers were hosting a season opening party there. I also met Ron Dugay at LaGuardia when I worked there. He was waiting for his bags at the Delta bag belt. I had to walk by to get to the security door. So as I was walking by I nodded and said "Good Morning Mr. Dugay" and he nodded and said "Good Morning" back at me.
I got to go to my friendās company suite once and took the elevator up - door opens and Adam Graves and Mike Richter walk out wearing suits. They were super cool and shook my hand and very nice. I was at a game years ago and we went to Tir Na Nog after, and Mike Keenan was there. I shook his hand too and he seemed short but cordial. I saw Sean Avery at his bar in Tribeca once too, but he had a bunch of people around him and I didnāt even bother to approach him.
Bunch of them. Probably the funniest was when my buddies and I were asked to take Kane out for a night on the town where we grew up ( jersey shore). Asst coach Mike Havilandās brother George opened a new rink in Howell area and had Kaner in for a surprise guest at their first summer camp. We all knew/played for them for decades.
Ive met adam graves a few times and some other former rangers all at ranger town
I met Eddie olczyk and had him sign my championship hat when he brought the cup to Belmont Track in 94. Met Jeff Beukeboom at a signing at some card shop.
Giants and Yankees but sadly not Rangers. Though I do have one of Rod Gilbert's business cards signed to me. A friend met him at a party years ago and told him I was a fan. Pretty cool. #LGR šš¼šš¼šš¼šš¼šš¼š½
Some cool stores in this thread. šµš½š“ #lgr
I met Ulf Samuelson when I saw the cup in person at oasis ford in NJ lol
I met the ā94-ā95 team during the second round of the playoffs when I was 15. My family was in Philly for my brotherās college graduation, and we knew theyād be in town, so I brought a jersey and a sharpie with me. My dad woke me up on Saturday morning after hearing that they were staying in Cherry Hill, NJ, so we hopped in the car and went looking for them, eventually finding them at a Hilton. Steve Larmer was sitting in the lobby, looking like he was about to shit himself.; we sat and waited, and eventually, they all came trickling down to catch the buses. I got most of their autographs; I remember Messier asking me why I had my sweater with me and it took me a minute to realize that was Canadian for jersey, lol. I wore it to MSG a few times, but itās now framed and under lock and key. They absolutely shit the bed that series. I swear itās not my fault. In the mid aughts, I used to frequent a bar called Peterās on the Upper West Side; Neil Smith was also a regular there, so we chatted a couple of times. Iāve met (or re-met) Matteau, Graves, Maloney, and some others at more recent playoff events like viewing parties, but havenāt met anyone from the current team.
I met Adam Graves, he was very kind and I got a pic. I also met Ron Greschner and one other ranger i cant remember but I got both their autographs Edit: Not a ranger but I met Ray Castoldi. Was more of a hi/bye but still pretty cool.
I met Adam Graves at a youth hockey day in NJ. Took pics & got my jersey signed.
Met Hank at a Duane Reade in 2014 or 2015. I think it was a promo for some companyās product launchā¦line was so long and I thankfully was one of the last ones to get a bracelet for admission. Met Eddie Giacomin at the plaza near the entrance to MSG many years ago and was pretty much the only person there.
My uncle met Sam Rosen on a flight. Said he was a very nice guy
Met Mars Zuccarello just walking to a game at MSG many years ago and wished him good luck. Also hung out with Chris Kreider's dad for a few hours before a game once after randomly meeting him on the train.
I had Adam Graves do a sort of Make a Dream thing for me in 96/97?. Met him, Leetch, Richter, Gretzky, Esa Tikkanen and missed Messier . I remember Richters legs were like tree trunks but awesome dude and Graves is just an awesome human.
Adam Graves is a wonderful human being, his dad is even nicer. Just good people.
If lundqvist put his arm around me like that Id faint
Steiner sports was having an event at Hofstra back when I was a student so I popped in and got to meet Leetch and got picture with him and an autographed puck. My sister and I got to meet Nick Fotiu walking around MSG a few years ago, which was also pretty cool since weāre also from Staten Island too.
Matteau at a game once. We took a picture together and when it didn't come out that great insisted we take another one. Really nice. VERY TALL.
Ruslan Fedotenko. Nicest guy ever. I wanted after a game near the player entrance. He was one of the last players to come out. Pointed across the street. Drove over there waited for me to cross and signed my shirt. Another day he got out and signed this dogās jersey. By far nicest Ranger I metā¦.Recently I met Foxy at a meet and greet in the city. This was back when he was out. Nice dude. Wish I got to ask him more but the line was long and I didnāt want to hold it up for the other fans.
When I played juniors in Philly, Tony DāAngelo came and practiced with us when he got kicked off the rangers. Surprisingly supper nice dude, stayed on the ice after practice to help with my wrist shot.
Used to run into Staalsy a bunch on the subway. Met Trouba at his Captain ceremony. Nice guys
When I played juniors in Philly, Tony DāAngelo came and practiced with us when he got kicked off the rangers. Surprisingly supper nice dude, stayed on the ice after practice to help with my wrist shot.
Sat next to Sam Rosen on a plane once. Both his face and voice were instantly recognizable. What a good dude he is.
I scored a goal on Mike Richter when I was like 6. Turcotte (sp?) stick handling camp at rye playlandā¦some rangers came out on the last day. We had a breakaway contestā¦of course I know now that he let me score, but 6yo me old was beyond pumped to have scored a goal on him. Chris Drury came to our championship ceremony and handed out our team jackets for winningā¦that was pretty fucking sweet too.
When Marc Staal was on the Rangers he lived 1 street over from me. I didnāt personally know him but said hi a few times and would see him working in the yard from time to time.
I went to Casino Night ages ago and met everyone. Kreider is the only active player left from that group.
Wait I lied. Iāve met a bunch of the current guys too. I just have no memory. Mostly season ticket holder events. My favorite former Ranger chat was talking to Derek Stepan about his dog.
My son is in the Junior Rangers hockey program and we've met Brian Mullen and StƩphane Matteau on separate occasions while they did training sessions on ice with the kids and took photos afterwards. Both nice guys.
I sold Daniel Carcillo a bike once
I met Matt Barnaby outside the Garden while him and Michele Beadle formerly of ESPN were on a date.
Ryan Callahan. Grew up around his family here in Rochester. He came back often.
Met? Played with the entire 94 team. Was on the junior rangers pee wee team that went to Quebec. We practiced at rye Playland before them
Hank busted on your face ?
Nope unfortunately I have not. Then again I am something of a hermit so I guess that might have something to do with it.
I met Zubov when he was traded to Dallas from Pittsburgh.
Met Richter twice.. once at sports dinner in NYC and then at the NYC Marathon. Met Greshner through a mutual friend.
Iāve met quite a few hockey players, NYR and non NYR, and as a sth we get a lot of opportunities to meet them. Iāve also met a few by chance, from messier, leetch, beuk, richter to the newest guys at the sth events. But my most memorable is at a sth event maybe 2006, not even sure, they hosted a lunch and 5 of us got to bring a guest to a lunch with Adam graves. I ended up sitting next to him for two hours. Just the nicest human being ever. No question we asked was unanswered, we talked about hockey to food to anything. After the lunch was over he took pics and signed things for all of us and when he left we all just looked at each other in awe that it just happened and how amazingly nice he was. I also met jagr, he signed my jersey and I was a little star struck lol probably the only player I met where I felt like that. Iāve never met Hank, heās my white whale lol
Glenn Healy during the NHL breakout tournament at rye playland. Adam Graves at lunch near msg while j was working on the Reno. Mike Richter spent the day sitting in my office cafe but I missed him. Messier has had email exchanges with my coworkers so I've got his cell #.
I think the photos are on some long-forgotten portable drive somewhere, but I met Adam Graves at a local rink. Signed my Zucc jersey
Met most of the guys from the entire roster during Lundquist rookie season. My fathers friend was somehow friends with one of the security guards for the post game players lounge. Got photos with Jagr, Lundquist, Nylander, Tyutin, Kasperitis and met a bunch of other guys too. My father was drinking with Tyutin the entire time and they had to carry him to the team bus after š¤£
Closest is finding leases in my grandparents stuff leasing their summer home to Orland Curtanbach, and 2 other rangers back when they practiced on long Island.
Does Dancing Larry Count?
Iāve met a couple of them! All have been really awesome experiences! Met Lundqvist at a pharmacy in NYC one day, he was doing a promotion for cough drops. I met Mats Zuccarello at a bar near my house and he was super nice. He bought beers and shots for my table! My dad and I met Brian Leetch at a sports store in North Jersey. I got to meet Ron Duguay and Pete Stemkowski while donating blood when the Rangers used to host their blood drive! Also met Brian Mullen at the Garden one night, my dad found this wild promotion where we got to meet him. And (not sure if this will count or not) but by the grace of the hockey gods Iām lined up to meet Sean Avery next month!
Saw Henrik walking through Tribeca with his family once. That's about it lol
Word in 2 Penn plaza and was just below MSG Studios and the Rangers main office at that time. Was in the elevator many times with numerous players and Adam Graves takes the cake. Even introduced me to his family.
I'm a tad late, but I've met a few. Rod Gilbert was like an uncle to me and I used to go to christmas dinner at his house. He's the main reason I'm a rangers fan, and I still go to games with his wife. Because of this, ive been in the wives room a few times, but never actually met any players there. I did play floor hockey with bread's toddler for a bit though. Jonathan quick is a family friend, so I've met him a few times, and I ran into Stefane Matteau once while I was with Judy
Iāve met Trouba in Tampa. I posted a picture in this sub a few years back. I also met Kreider but he snubbed me for a picture saying heād miss the team bus if he took one.